Hairless Toys cover

Hairless Toys

Róisín Murphy · 2015

50 min · 8 tracks · indie pop

A blend of eclectic pop and electronic elements, wrapped in smooth grooves and introspective lyrics that invite deep listening.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Gone Fishing Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Evil Eyes — This track stands out for its haunting melody and intricate layers of sound, encapsulating the album's exploration of emotional complexity.
  • →
    Exploitation — With its bold commentary on societal issues, this track showcases Murphy's lyrical depth while blending infectious rhythms that challenge the listener.
  • →
    House of Glass — This song exemplifies the fusion of pop sensibilities with avant-garde influences, illustrating Murphy's ability to push boundaries while remaining accessible.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative production and eclectic songwriting, marking a distinct phase in Murphy's career.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a slow build in 'Gone Fishing', layering synths and vocals gradually over its first three minutes.
  • Tracks like 'Evil Eyes' and 'Exploitation' feature complex arrangements with shifting rhythms that challenge conventional pop structures.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo exploration
  • vibrant sound for introspection
  • immersive listening in order
  • challenging structures for curiosity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek standalone radio hits

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Marks a shift to more experimental sound after a long hiatus.
Themes
societal exploitation· emotional complexity· avant-garde pop
Career context
Hairless Toys is Róisín Murphy's first album in eight years, following her 2007 release, Overpowered. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from mainstream pop into a more experimental and artistic phase, showcasing her growth as a solo artist while exploring new sonic landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors
Goldfrapp· Little Boots· Bat for Lashes

Tracklist

  • 1 Gone Fishing Start here 5:57
  • 2 Evil Eyes 6:42
  • 3 Exploitation 9:23
  • 4 Uninvited Guest 5:58
  • 5 Exile 4:01
  • 6 House of Glass 6:52
  • 7 Hairless Toys (Gotta Hurt) 6:19
  • 8 Unputdownable 5:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata